Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts rich, fudgy, and full of nutty goodness, this Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe is going to be your new obsession. I absolutely love how the buttery pecan frosting complements the deep chocolate brownie base, creating this insanely indulgent treat that always wows guests and family alike. Stick around, because I’m sharing all my tips and tricks to get these just right the first time—you’re going to want to make these on repeat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These brownies come together with straightforward pantry staples, plus some raw pecans to add that classic nutty crunch in the frosting. Grab good-quality chocolate and fresh pecans for the best flavor.

• Unsalted Butter: Makes the brownies rich without over-salting; start with softened butter for smoother mixing.
• Milk or Dark Chocolate: I like dark chocolate for a deeper flavor, but milk chocolate works if you prefer something sweeter.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for balancing the bitterness of cocoa powder and providing structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate notes perfectly.
• Eggs: They bind everything and give the brownie its fudgy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Go for natural cocoa for the best intense chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Use fresh flour, but don’t overmix it into the batter to keep the brownies tender.
• Kosher Salt: Just a pinch, it brings out the richness of the chocolate.
• Chopped Chocolate: I toss in extra chopped chocolate to get melty chunks throughout the brownies.
• Heavy Cream: For the frosting, it makes it silky and spreadable.
• Brown Sugar: The moisture here keeps the frosting chewy with caramel notes.
• Raw Pecans: Toasting them brings out their flavor and crunch—don’t skip this step!
• Bourbon (Optional): Just a splash to elevate the frosting, though it’s delicious even without.
• Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth to the frosting that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for spreading.

Variations

Whenever I make this Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe, I love to shake things up depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to customize these brownies to your taste—you might just discover a new favorite twist!

• Nut-Free Version: I’ve replaced pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or coconut flakes for a nut-free alternative, and the frosting still tastes amazing.
• Chocolate Chip Variations: Swap the chopped chocolate chunks for white or semi-sweet chocolate chips to play with flavor and texture.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or espresso powder to the brownie batter gives it a hint of warmth that my family loves.
• Alcohol-Free Frosting: Simply omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly version that still tastes rich and buttery.

How to Make Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Brownie Base Going

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes it so much easier to lift the brownies out once they’re baked. Then melt your butter and chocolate together in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until silky smooth. This is where the magic starts! Once melted, whisk in the sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth. When I first tried this, I learned it’s super important to whisk well here for a tender final texture. Then stir in your cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until combined—overmixing makes brownies tough, so resist the temptation!

Step 2: Bake Your Fudgy Brownies

Now, fold in that extra chopped chocolate for delicious pockets of melty goodness inside the brownies. Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes; you want the top to be set but still look slightly soft in the middle. I usually start checking around 25 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let the brownies cool fully—it’ll make spreading the frosting way easier and mess-free.

Step 3: Toast Those Pecans and Prep Your Frosting Base

While the brownies cool, it’s time to prep the frosting. Toasting pecans in the oven with a little brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla transforms their flavor into a sweet, aromatic delight that pairs perfectly with buttery frosting. If you’re using bourbon, toss that in when tossing the pecans for a subtle boozy warmth. Meanwhile, melt some butter in a saucepan with heavy cream and brown sugar, bring it to a boil for a minute, then let it cool in the fridge or freezer so it thickens nicely—this chilling step is one of my favorite tricks that helps the frosting whip up light and fluffy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Butter Pecan Frosting

Once your butter-cream mixture is nicely cooled, beat in the remaining butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and half of your chopped pecans until smooth and creamy. Spread this frosting generously over your cooled brownies for that decadent finish. Top with the rest of the pecans to add a beautiful crunch and extra visual appeal. Don’t be shy here—the frosting is the star!

How to Serve Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top of each brownie piece for that perfect crunchy bite every time. Sometimes a tiny dusting of powdered sugar makes them look super festive, especially if I’m serving them at a party.

Side Dishes

These brownies are a fantastic dessert on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream really takes things over the top. For an adult gathering, a glass of bourbon or coffee complements the frosting’s flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter with fresh berries scattered around. Another fun idea is to serve them layered with whipped cream in clear glasses – it makes a stunning presentation and everyone loves a little DIY brownie trifle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The frosting stays creamy, and the brownies don’t dry out. If it’s warmer where you live, I sometimes refrigerate them but bring to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! I like to cut them into squares and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When frozen, the frosting is a bit firmer but still delicious. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Reheating

If you want that freshly-baked feel, I gently warm a brownie for about 10 seconds in the microwave—it softens the frosting and chocolate chunks without melting everything completely. Just watch it closely so it doesn’t get rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butter Pecan Frosted Brownies Recipe has become such a staple in my baking rotation because it’s reliably delicious and just a little special with that signature frosting. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering and everyone was fighting over the last piece—it’s that good. If you love a rich, nutty chocolate dessert that feels a bit luxurious but is still easy to make, you’ll absolutely enjoy these brownies. I can’t wait to hear how you personalize them and make this recipe your own!

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